Addressing hard-to-reach populations for achieving malaria elimination in the Asia Pacific Malaria Elimination Network countries

Date

2021

Authors

Wangdi, Kinley
Pitaloka Pasaribu, Ayodhia
Clements, Archie C. A.

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Asia

Abstract

Member countries of the Asia Pacific Malaria Elimination Network are pursuing the regional goal of malaria elimination by 2030. The countries are in different phases of malaria elimination, but most have demonstrated success in shrinking the malaria map in the region. However, continued transmission in hard-to-reach populations, including border and forest malaria, remains an important challenge. In this article, we review strategies for improving intervention coverage in hard-to-reach populations. Currently available preventive measures, including long-lasting insecticidal nets and long-lasting insecticidal hammocks, and prompt diagnosis and treatment need to be expanded to hard-to-reach populations. This can be done through mobile malaria clinics, village volunteer malaria workers and screening posts. Malaria surveillance in the hard-to-reach areas can be enhanced through tools such as spatial decision support systems. Policy changes by the malaria programs will be required for implementing the strategies outlined in this article. However, strategies or tools may be suitable for some population groups but difficult to implement in other groups.

Description

Keywords

APMEN, challenges, elimination, hard-to-reach populations, malaria

Citation

Source

Asia & The Pacific Policy Studies

Type

Journal article

Book Title

Entity type

Access Statement

Open Access

License Rights

Creative Commons Attribution licence

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